Access point and terminal wireless transmission power control based on point to point parameter exchanges

ABSTRACT

A wireless access point and multiple wireless terminals exchange point-to-point transmission power control parameters. The wireless access point gathers parameters based on transmissions received from each of the wireless terminals. Each wireless terminal gathers parameters based on transmissions received from each of the other wireless terminals and from the wireless access point. In one operating mode, the parameters gathered by the wireless devices are forwarded to the wireless access point, and, based on all received and local parameters, the wireless access point adjusts its own transmission power and sends control signals to the wireless terminals directing transmission power adjustment. In another mode, all parameters are exchanged between every wireless terminal and the access point so that each can independently or cooperatively make transmission power control decisions. Transmission power control parameters include received signal strength, error rates, estimated battery life, availability of unlimited power, active versus sleep mode ratios, anticipated bandwidth utilization, coding schemes available, deterministic/non-deterministic requirements, encryption and security requirements, quality of service requirements, mobility, etc. Gathering of parameters involves both retrieval of preset parameters from memory and generating parameters based on received transmissions (including test packets).

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and more particularly to transmit power control of wireless communication devices within such wireless communication systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless communication systems are known to support wireless communications between wireless communication devices affiliated with the system. Such wireless communication systems range from national and/or international cellular telephone systems to point-to-point in-home wireless networks. Each type of wireless communication system is constructed, and hence operates, in accordance with one or more standards. Such wireless communication standards include, but are not limited to IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, advanced mobile phone services (AMPS), digital AMPS, global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multiple access (CDMA), wireless application protocols (WAP), local multi-point distribution services (LMDS), multi-channel multi-point distribution systems (MMDS), and/or variations thereof.

An IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless communication system includes a plurality of client devices (e.g., laptops, personal computers, personal digital assistants, etc., coupled to a station) that communicate over a wireless link with one or more access points. The transmitting device (e.g., a client device or access point) transmits at a fixed power level regardless of the distance between the transmitting device and a targeted device (e.g., station or access point). Typically, the closer the transmitting device is to the targeted device, the less error there will be in the reception of the transmitted signal. However, as is generally understood in the art, wireless transmissions may include some error and still provide an accurate transmission. Thus, transmitting at power levels that provide too few errors is energy inefficient.

As is also generally understood in the art, many wireless communications systems employ a carrier-sense multiple access (CSMA) protocol that allows multiple communication devices to share the same radio spectrum. Before a wireless communication device transmits, it “listens” to the wireless link to determine if the spectrum is in use by another station to avoid a potential data collision. At lower received power levels, this protocol can lead to a hidden terminal problem when two devices, generally spaced far apart, are both trying to communication with a third device in the middle. While the device in the middle can “hear” the two devices on the periphery, these two devices cannot hear one another—potentially creating data collisions with simultaneous transmissions destined for the middle device.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art through comparison of such systems with the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 10 that shows examples of client devices and various modes of connection between access points and wide area network 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 presents a block diagram representation of an access point 300 that can be used in wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 presents a block diagram representation of a client device 400 that can be used in wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 presents a block diagram representation of a client device 400′ with optional GPS circuitry 416 and power source regulation circuitry 420 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 presents a block diagram representation of an access point 300′ with optional AP assessment application 225 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that provides a power management application 225 in one of a plurality of terminals.

FIG. 8 presents a flowchart representation of a method that can be used in a terminal, access point and/or an integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 presents a flowchart representation of a method that can be used in a terminal, client device and/or an integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention sets forth a wireless network, access point, client device, integrated circuit and methods that determine transmission power based on received signal parameters substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims that follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A wireless network 10 includes an access point 110 that is coupled to wide area network 101. The access point 110 manages communication flow destined for and originating from each of client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 over a wireless network 10. Via the access point 110, each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 can access service provider network 105 and Internet 103 to, for example, surf web-sites, download audio and/or video programming, send and receive messages such as text messages, voice message and multimedia messages, access broadcast, stored or streaming audio, video or other multimedia content, play games, send and receive telephone calls, and perform any other activities, provided directly by access point 110 or indirectly through wide area network 101.

The access point 110 includes a power management application 225, and each client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 includes a client assessment application 404. The power management application 225 and the client assessment applications 404 of each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 operate to select adequate transmission power settings that conserve battery power and limit unnecessary electromagnetic radiation. For example, as directed by a client assessment application 404, the client device 121 assess transmissions from the access point 110 and the client devices 123, 125 and 127. The client device 121 generates reception characteristics based on the assessment. The client device 121 also gathers local status information, anticipated bandwidth utilization characteristics and mobility information, and, based thereon, generates status characteristics, utilization characteristics, and mobility characteristics. The client device 121 delivers the reception characteristics, status characteristics, utilization characteristics and mobility characteristics to the access point 110 for use by the power management application 225. According to their client assessment applications 404, the other of the client devices 123, 125 and 127 similarly gather and deliver their local status characteristics, utilization characteristics and mobility characteristics along with reception characteristics relating to others of the client devices and the access point 110.

The access point 110, in accordance with the power management application 225, also generates reception characteristics and utilization characteristics relating to each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127. The power management application 225 adjusts its own transmission power and controls the transmission power of each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 based on: 1) the reception characteristics received from each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 regarding others of the client devices and the access point; 2) locally generated reception characteristics and utilization characteristics regarding each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127; 3) status characteristics from each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127; 4) mobility characteristics from each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127; and 5) utilization characteristics generated by each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127. The access point 110 achieves such control by causing the access point 110 to deliver control instructions to each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 via the wireless network. Each of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 respond to the control instructions by adjusting its transmit power. Such overall control takes advantage of particular, current circumstances, including current operational status, relative positions and properties of any the network nodes (e.g., the access point 110 and the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127).

As used herein, “reception characteristics” includes any data, generated based on received wireless transmissions, that rates or can be used to rate the quality, accuracy or strength of such received wireless transmissions. For example, reception characteristics might include any one or more of a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI), bit/packet error, current/historical error rates, multipath interference indications, Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), fading indications, etc.

Status characteristics includes any data relating to an underlying device's prior, current or anticipated readiness, abilities or capacity for participating on the wireless network. Status characteristics include, for example, the amount of power available, such as whether alternating current (AC) power is available or only battery power, and, if battery power, anticipated battery life at various transmission power levels and at various levels of participation, etc. Status characteristics also include whether a device is currently “sleeping” or inactive or in a low power idle state. It may also include historical information anticipating the current status duration and anticipated status characteristics changes. Status characteristics may also include status information relating to each underlying communication software application that runs on a client device. For example, on a single client device two communication applications might be present with one in an inactive state and the other actively communicating. Status characteristics would identify such activity and inactivity.

Utilization characteristics include any parameter that indicates a prior, current or anticipated bandwidth requirement, usage or usage characteristic. Utilization characteristics might include anticipated QoS (Quality of Service) requirements, upstream/downstream bandwidth usage, bandwidth usage characteristics, idle versus active status characteristics, underlying data/media types (e.g., voice, video, images, files, database data/commands, etc.) and corresponding requirements, etc.

Mobility characteristics include for example indications as to whether the underlying device is: 1) permanently stationary, e.g., a desktop client computer, game console, television, set top box or server; 2) capable of mobility, e.g., a cell phone or mobile VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and palm, laptop or pad computer; and 3) currently moving, e.g., any one or more of current position and direction, velocity and acceleration information.

The reception characteristics can be collected by a given one of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 through a test mode and through “sniffing”. In the test mode, the access point 110 directs each of the client devices to respond with reception characteristics in response to transmissions from the access point 110 at one or more transmission power levels. Also, in the test mode, the access point 110 directs one of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 to transmit at one or more selected power levels and all others to generate and deliver reception characteristics in response. The access point 110 may similarly direct each of the others of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127 to send the test transmissions and correspondingly have the others respond by generating reception characteristics. Testing can be conducted periodically or whenever conditions indicate that transmission power adjustments may be needed. Devices that are mobile may undergo testing more often than those that are stationary. Collecting reception characteristics through sniffing involves a client device listening to ordinary (not test) transmissions from and to the access point 110. The access point 110 may request reception characteristics based on such sniffing or may be delivered same occasionally or periodically (e.g., as significant changes are detected) and without request by each client device. Similarly, without request, status characteristics, utilization characteristics and mobility characteristics may be reported as significant changes therein occur by a client device to the access point 110.

With the locally and remotely generated reception characteristics, status characteristics, utilization characteristics and mobility characteristics and with periodic updates thereto, the power management application 225 manages not only usage of the wireless network but also manages all underlying transmission power. For example, the client device 123 generates reception characteristics from transmissions between the client device 121 and the access point 110. In this example, the client device 123 is not capable of detecting transmissions from the client devices 125 and 127, but does receive and generate reception characteristics for transmissions from the access point 110 destined for the client devices 125 and 127. The client device 123 delivers the reception characteristics generated to the access point 110. The client device 123, a stationary desktop computer, has access to AC power, and has a full-duplex, video streaming application running in an active communication state which requires significant bandwidth and QoS. The client device 123 communicates such corresponding status characteristics, utilization characteristics and mobility characteristics to the access point 110. The client device 125, a battery powered device with significant remaining battery life, is operating with little communication traffic either direction. The client device 125 generates reception characteristics for all communication exchanges. The client devices 121 and 127, portable communication devices with minimal power resources, both have one or more communication applications active that require light but continuous bandwidth demands. Both also generate reception characteristics regarding communication flowing in all directions. Such reception characteristics and underlying status characteristics, utilization characteristics and mobility characteristics are communicated to the access point 110. The power management application 225 of the access point 110 considers all such received communications, and, for example, may direct the client device 123 to operate at full transmission power and with protocol supported QoS and priority. At full transmission power, all of the other client devices should receive the transmissions and attempt to avoid simultaneous, interfering transmissions. Similarly, the power management application 225 may reserve minimal, ongoing and contention bandwidth for both the client devices 121 and 127, and direct each to transmit as a power level strong enough: 1) for the other of the client devices 121 and 127 to detect; and 2) to support reliable communication to the access point 110. The power management application 225 might direct the client device 125 to enter a sleep mode with transmissions only as necessary and at a transmission power level only strong enough to support reliable reception by the access point 110. For communications from the access point 110 to the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127, the power management application 225 may direct the use of one transmission power level or the use of pluralities of power levels, e.g., corresponding to power levels tailored for communications to each one or a subgroup of the client devices 121, 123, 125 and 127.

By way of further examples, the client devices 121 and 127 may each adequately receive transmissions from the access point 110. However, an analysis of their reception characteristics by access point 110 may reveal that client device 127 cannot detect transmissions from client device 121 and vice versa. In this scenario, the access point 110 may choose to boost the transmission power of one or both of the client devices 121 and 127 to avoid potential hidden terminal problems that could occur when client device 121 and 127 attempt to transmit to access point 10. An analysis of reception characteristics and status characteristics by access point 110 may also reveal that the client device 123 is easily detected by each of the other devices and that it is running low on battery power. In response, the access point 110 can select a reduced transmission power level for the client device 123 that extends its battery life. An analysis of reception characteristics and mobility characteristics by access point 110 may reveal that the client device 125 is highly mobile. Rather than relying solely on reception characteristics, the access point 110 selects a transmission power level for the client device 125 that takes into consideration its possible movement about the transmission range of the wireless network 10.

It should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative of the many functions and features presented in the various embodiments of the present invention set forth more fully in conjunction with the description and claims that follow.

FIG. 2 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 10 that shows examples of client devices and various modes of connection between access points and wide area network 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Wide area network 101 includes wired data networks 230 such as a cable, fiber, or other wired or hybrid network for providing access, such as narrowband, broadband or enhanced broadband access to content that is local to wired data network 230 or is otherwise accessed through Internet backbone 217. In particular, examples of wired data networks 230 include a public switched telephone network (PSTN), cable television network or private network that provides traditional plain old telephone service, narrowband data service, broadband data service, voice over internet protocol (IP) telephony service, broadcast cable television service, video on demand service, IP television service, and/or other services.

Wide area network 101 further includes a terrestrial wireless data network 232 that includes a cellular telephone network, personal communications service (PCS), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), or integrated digital enhanced network (iDEN). These networks are capable of accessing wired data networks 230 through internet backbone 217 and for providing the many of the services discussed in conjunction wired data networks 230 in accordance with international wireless communications standards such as 2G, 2.5G and 3G.

Wide area network 101 also includes satellite data network 234 for providing access to services such as satellite video services, satellite radio service, satellite telephone service and satellite data service. In addition, wide area network 101 includes other wireless data networks 236 such as a WiMAX network, ultra wideband network, edge network, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System, etc., for providing an alternate medium for accessing any of the services previously described.

Access points 211-213 provide access to WAN 101 through a wired connection to wired data networks 230. In addition, access point 213 is capable of providing access to wide area network 101 through wireless data networks 236. Set top box (STB) 214 includes the functionality of access points 211, 212, and/or 213 while further including optional access to terrestrial wireless data network 232, and satellite data network 234. In particular, STB 214 optionally includes additional functions and features directed toward the selection and processing of video content such as satellite, cable or IP video content. While the term “access point” and “set top box” have been used separately in the context of this discussion, the term “access point” shall include both the functionality and structure associated with a set top box, including but not limited to, STB 214.

A plurality of client devices are shown that include personal computers (PC) 203 and 206, wireless telephones 204 and 207, television (TV) 205, and wireless headphones 208. These client devices are merely examples of the wide range of client devices that can send data to and receive data from access points 211-213 and STB 214. While each of these client devices are shown pictorially as having integrated transceiver circuitry for accessing a corresponding access point, an separate wireless interface device may likewise be coupled to the client module via a port such as a Universial Serial Bus (USB) port, Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 488 parallel port, IEEE 1394 (Firewire) port, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) port, etc.

Access points 211-213 and STB 214 include a power management application 225 and personal computers (PC) 203 and 206, wireless telephones 204 and 207, television (TV) 205, and wireless headphones 208, include client assessment application 404 that allow these devices to implement the power management method and structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Further discussion of these wireless networks, access points, client devices, including methods for use therewith will be set forth in association with FIGS. 3-9 and the appended claims.

FIG. 3 presents a block diagram representation of an access point 300 that can be used in wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, access point 300, such as access point 110, 211-213, STB 214, is presented. Access point 300 includes a network interface 308 for communicating with at least one wide area network 101. While a single connection is shown, in an embodiment of access point 300, such as access point 213 and/or STB 214, network interface 308 provides a plurality of interfaces for coupling to multiple networks of wide area network 101, such as the various networks shown in association with FIG. 2.

Access point 300 further includes access point transceiver circuitry 302, operatively coupled to the network interface 308, that transmits and receives data over a wireless link 310, to and from a plurality of client devices, such as client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, PCs 203 and 206, wireless phones 204 and 207, TV 205 and wireless headphones 208. Access point 300 also includes memory circuitry 306, and processing circuitry 304 that implements power management application 225. The processing circuitry 304 may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be, for example, any one or more of a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, logic circuitry, state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memory circuitry 306 may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, static memory, dynamic memory, optical or magnetic storage, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when the processing circuitry 304 implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, and/or digital circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded in the circuitry comprising the state machine, logic circuit, analog circuit, and/or digital circuit.

In an embodiment of the present invention, wireless link 310 is a wireless link of a wireless network, such as wireless network 10, that includes a wireless link conforming to at least one industry standard communication protocol such as 802.11, 802.16, 802.15, Bluetooth, Advanced Mobile Phone Services (AMPS), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), and a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). Other protocols, either standard or proprietary, may likewise be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

In operation, the power management application 225 receives reception characteristics, status characteristics, mobility characteristics and utilization characteristics from at least one of the plurality of client devices. The reception characteristics includes, for example, point to point reception parameters such as the strength of signals received by at least one of the plurality of client devices from other devices over the wireless link. Based on at least some of the reception characteristics, status characteristics, mobility characteristics and utilization characteristics, the power management application 225 selects transmission power levels for itself and for each of the plurality of client devices, and transmits corresponding control signals to the plurality of client devices, directing transmission power adjustment to the selected power levels. Further details, including several optional features of power management application 225 are presented in association with FIG. 6.

Network interface 300 and selected functions of AP transceiver circuitry 302 can be implemented in hardware, firmware or software. Other functions of transceiver circuitry 302 are implemented in analog RF (Radio Frequency) circuitry as will be understood by one skilled in the art when presented the disclosure herein. When implemented in software, the operational instructions used to implement the functions and features of these devices can also be implemented on processing circuitry 304 and stored in memory circuitry 306.

In operation, access point 300 communicates with each client device in a point-to-point manner. To transmit data, access point 300 generates a data packet that is formatted based the protocol of wireless link 310. In particular, network interface 308 produces data payloads based on data received from wide area network 101. Other control information and data including the selected power levels destined for the client devices of wireless link 310 are derived from power the management application 225 of the processing circuitry 304.

AP transceiver circuitry 302 modulates the data, up-converts the modulated data to produce an RF signal of the wireless link 310. In an embodiment of the present invention, the AP transceiver circuitry 302 transmits at one of a plurality of power levels, as determined by power management application 225. As one of average skill in the art will appreciate, if the access point 300 operates based on a carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA), when access point 300 transmits data, each client device in communication with wireless link 310 will receive the RF signal, but only the client that is addressed, i.e., a target client device, will process the RF signal to recapture the packet.

AP transceiver circuitry 302 is further operable to receive signals from the plurality of client devices over wireless link 310. In this instance, transceiver circuitry 302 receives an RF signal, down-converts the RF signal to a base-band signal and demodulates the base-band signal to recapture a packet of data. In particular, data payloads destined for wide area network 101 are provided to network interface 308 to be formatted in accordance with the protocol used by wide area network 101. Other control information and data including the selected reception characteristics received from the client devices of wireless link 310 are provided to power management application 225 of processing circuitry 304.

FIG. 4 presents a block diagram representation of a client device 400 that can be used in wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A client device 400 is presented, such as client devices 121, 123, 125, 127, PCs 203 and 206, wireless phones 204 and 207, TV 205 and wireless headphones 208. In particular, client device 400 includes a client transceiver circuitry 402 that transmits and receives data over wireless link 310, that operates in a similar fashion to access point transceiver circuitry 402. However, client transceiver circuitry 402 is operable to transmit at a selected power level, received from access point 300.

Client device 400 includes a memory circuitry 408, and processing circuitry 406 that implements client assessment application 404 and client application 410. The processing circuitry 406 may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, logic circuitry, state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions. The memory circuitry 408 may be a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. Such a memory device may be read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, flash memory, static memory, dynamic memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that when the processing circuitry 406 implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, and/or digital circuitry, the memory storing the corresponding operational instruction will be embedded in the circuitry comprising the state machine, logic circuit, analog circuit, and/or digital circuit.

Further, client device 400 includes a client assessment application 404, operably coupled to the client transceiver circuitry 402, that assesses signals received from other devices, including other client devices, over the wireless link 310. In response, client assessment application 404 generates reception characteristics and transmits the reception characteristics over the wireless link to access point 300.

In operation, the client assessment application 404 includes operational instructions that cause processing circuitry 406 to transfer data and signals to and from client transceiver circuitry 402; to assess signals 438 received from other devices, including other client devices, over the wireless link; and to generate reception characteristics 436. In one mode of operation, client assessment application calculates a measure of signal strength, such as RSSI for each of the other devices and formats this information as reception characteristics 436 for transmission to power management application 225. Further details, including several optional features of client assessment application 404 are presented in association with FIG. 5.

Client application 410 includes the prime functions of the device itself, (e.g. a television, telephones, personal computer, headphones, etc.) Selected data packets transmitted to and wide area network originate 101 from data received from client application 410. In addition, data packets received from wide area network 101 are passed to client application 410.

Selected functions of client transceiver circuitry 402 can be implemented in hardware, firmware or software. Other functions of client transceiver circuitry 402 are implemented in analog RF circuitry as will be understood by one skilled in the art when presented the disclosure herein. When implemented in software, the operation instructions used to implement the functions and features of these devices can be implemented on processing circuitry 406 and stored in memory circuitry 408.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more components of client transceiver circuitry 402, processing circuitry 406 and memory circuitry 408 are implemented on an integrated circuit.

FIG. 5 presents a block diagram representation of a client device 400′ with optional GPS circuitry 416 and power source regulation circuitry 420 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Client device 400′ can be used in place of client device 400 in any of the applications disclosed herein. In particular, a client assessment application 404 includes operational instructions that cause processing circuitry 406 to support the power management application 225 of the access point 110. In particular, the client assessment application 404 is operably coupled to power source regulation circuitry 420 to monitor the charging of optional battery pack 422, monitor the charge used by battery pack 422, to determine the remaining charge on battery pack 422 and whether the optional external power source 424 is currently connected.

The client assessment application 404 includes operational instructions that cause processing circuitry 406 to generate battery life data 432 and transmit such status characteristics over the wireless link 310 via client transceiver circuitry 402. In one mode of operation, client assessment application 404 generates and transmits further status characteristics such as estimated remaining battery life. For instance, battery life data 432 can indicate the client device 400′ is coupled to external power source 424, an estimated battery life for one or more selected power levels, an estimated battery life for one or more coding schemes, an estimated battery life battery life for one or more possible data rates, an estimated battery life based on an estimated channel usage, an estimated battery life battery life based on an estimate of required deterministic bandwidth, and an estimated battery life based on an estimate of non-deterministic bandwidth, or other estimates of battery life based on further operational parameters of client device 400′. Also as mentioned previously, other types of status characteristics can be generated pursuant to the client assessment application 404 and communicated to the power management application running on the access point device 110.

Utilization characteristics can be similarly collected and communicated. For example, utilization characteristics may be retrieved directly from the current client application(s) or from the memory 408. Utilization characteristics retrieved from the memory may have originated, for example, based on: 1) prior interaction with or monitoring of the client application 410; 2) user input; and 3) preset values.

The client assessment application 404 also causes the processing circuitry 406 to generate and transmit mobility characteristics 434 over the wireless link 434 via the client transceiver circuitry 402. GPS module 416 provides geographical data 418 such as GPS coordinates, scalar and/or vector velocities, accelerations, etc. In addition to such geographical coordinate data 418, mobility module can generate mobility characteristics 434 that includes a mobility factor indicative of whether the client device is in a stationary condition, the client device is in a low mobility condition such as a laptop computer that shifts slightly on a table in a coffee shop, or whether the client device is in a high mobility condition, such as in a car or other mobile environment. This additional mobility characteristics 434 can be associated with a type of a device, e.g. a laptop computer may have a low mobility rating, a wireless transceiver circuitry mounted in a vehicle may have a medium mobility rating, a desktop computer may have a stationary mobility rating, etc. Further the mobility factor can be user selected based on the particular conditions. In addition, the mobility factor can be derived based on assessing a scalar or vector velocity from GPS module 416 and/or changes in geographical coordinate data 418 over time, and comparing the velocity to one of a plurality of mobility thresholds.

When generated and transmitted to power management application 225, battery life data 432 and mobility characteristics 434 can further be used by power management application 225 for determining a selected power level for client device 400′ and for other client devices of wireless link 310.

FIG. 6 presents a block diagram representation of an access point 300′ with optional AP assessment application 225 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. An access point 300′ is presented that includes many common elements of access point 300, referred to by common reference numerals. In addition, access point 300′ includes an AP assessment application 226 that includes operational instructions, that cause processing circuitry 304 to assess signals 438 received from the plurality of client devices, such as client device 400, over the wireless link 310. The assessed strength of signals 438 can also be used by power management application 225 to determine the selected power level the plurality of client devices of wireless link 310. Access point 300′ may be used in any of the applications discussed in conjunction with access point 300.

In particular, access point assessment application 226 assesses signals 438 received from the plurality of client devices based upon a signal strength criteria such as RSSI, a signal to noise ratio (SNR), a noise parameter, or an amount of bit errors, and a bit error rate (BER) of data received from the particular client device.

In a test mode of operation, the access point assessment application 226 is operable to generate a test packet such as an echo packet that is transmitted to the client device where a reply packet is transmitted and received back by access point 300. The number of bit errors or the BER for this particular packet can be calculated by comparing the received data to the data that was transmitted. All other client devices that do not participate in the exchange, listen and generate reception characteristics for the access point assessment application 226.

In a further “sniffing” mode of operation, the access point assessment application 226 receives reception characteristics generated by the various client devices based on normal, ongoing packets exchanges with the access point. For example, reception characteristics might comprise an error detecting code such as a linear block code, convolutional code or error correcting code can be used to determine the number of bit errors in the received data, within the coding limit of the particular code use. For instance, a (24,12) Golay code with optional CRC bit could detect up to 4 errors in a 24 bit coded word before the coding limit was reached.

The power management application 225 assesses the received reception characteristics 436, mobility characteristics 434, and battery life data 432. Optional assessed strength of signals are received from access point assessment application 226. Although not shown, other types of status characteristics and utilization characteristics are also received and assessed by the power management application 225.

The power management application 225 implements a plurality of power management rules, based on the reception characteristics 436 (including the assessed strength of signals), the mobility characteristics 434, utilization characteristics, battery life data 432 and other status characteristics. The power management rules generate a selected power level 462 to be used by one, all or a group of ones of a plurality of client devices, such as client device 400. Upon receiving a corresponding control instruction from the power management application 225, any such client device responds adjusting the transmission power to that selected.

For example, the power level generation module can, through operation of the power management rules, determine which of the client devices 400 are not being heard by other client devices. In response, power level generation module can establish a selected power level 462 for such client devices 400 to optionally boost the transmission power so that they will be heard by some or all of the remaining client devices. In addition, power level generation module can reduce the power generated by a client device 400 that is generating a stronger than necessary signal for being heard by the remaining client devices.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more components of network interface 300, access point transceiver circuitry 302, memory circuitry 306 and processing circuitry 304 are implemented on an integrated circuit.

FIG. 7 presents a pictorial representation of a wireless network 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention that provides a power management application 225 in one of a plurality of terminals. A wireless network 10 includes terminals 400, 401 and 402 that are each capable of sending and receiving data from the other terminals over a wireless link.

Terminal 400 includes a power management application 225 and terminals 400 and 402 include a client assessment application 404 that allows the selection of transmit power levels to promote effective communication, while reducing the power consumption of terminals. Each of the terminals 400, 401 and 402 are operable to assess the signals received from other devices over the wireless link. Terminals 401 and 402 generate data such as reception characteristics based on the assessed signals, battery life data based on estimates of power consumption, and mobility characteristics based indicating how likely the signal strengths for a particular terminal may change due to movement.

Terminals 401 and 402 transmit these data over the wireless link to terminal 400. Terminal 400, determines a selected power level for each other terminal, based on the data that it receives for each device, and transmits the selected power levels back to each corresponding device. The terminals 401 and 402 can then transmit at a power level that takes advantage of their particular circumstances, including their status in the overall wireless network 10, and based on the positions and properties of the other terminals that are present.

In operation, terminal 400, while not performing the specific functions of an access point, is capable of performing other features and functions of either access point 300 or access point 300′ discussed herein. In addition, terminals 401, while not necessarily performing the functions of a client application, are capable of performing other features and functions of either client device 400 or client device 400′ discussed herein.

In another mode, all parameters are exchanged between every wireless terminal and the access point so that each can independently or cooperatively make transmission power control decisions.

FIG. 8 presents a flowchart representation of a method that can be used in a terminal, access point and/or an integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more features and functions presented in association with FIGS. 1-7. In step 500, reception characteristics, mobility characteristics, utilization characteristics, and status characteristics are received from one or more client devices over a wireless link. In step 502, the signals received from one or more client devices over the wireless link are assessed and local reception characteristics is generated. Such signals are either test signals or part of ongoing communication exchanges. In step 504, transmission power levels are determined for each of the client devices and for local use based on any part or all of the locally generated reception characteristics and the received mobility, reception, utilization, and status characteristics. In step 506, the local transmission power is adjusted, if needed, and commands requesting transmission power adjustments are sent to each of the client devices as needed. This method is well suited for being implemented as operational instructions that are stored in a memory such as memory circuitry 306 and implemented using processing circuitry such as processing circuitry 304.

For example, the status characteristics related to battery life might indicate one or more of the following: whether the client device is coupled to an external power source; the battery life for at least one selected power level; the battery life for at least one coding scheme; the battery life for at least one data rate; the battery life based on an estimated channel usage; the battery life based on an estimate of required deterministic bandwidth; and the battery life based on an estimate of non-deterministic bandwidth. The mobility characteristics might indicate, for example, one or more of the following: the client device is in a stationary condition; the client device is in a low mobility condition; the client device is in a high mobility condition; and a geographical coordinate of the client device.

The reception characteristics such as the assessment signal strength might include, for example, one or more of: a received signal strength indicator (RSSI); a signal to noise ratio; a noise parameter; an amount of bit errors; and a bit error rate (BER). In one mode of operation, a test packet such as an echo packet is transmitted to the client device where a reply packet is transmitted and received back. The number of bit errors or the BER for this particular packet can be calculated by comparing the received data to the data that was transmitted.

In further mode of operation, received data is assessed based on the payload of normal packets that are received. For instance, an error detecting code such as a linear block code, convolutional code or error correcting code can be used to determine the number of bit errors in the received data, within the coding limit of the particular code use. For instance, a (24,12) Golay code with optional CRC bit could detect up to 4 errors in a 24 bit coded word before the coding limit was reached.

In one mode of operation, step 504 implements a plurality of power management rules, based on the reception characteristics, and optionally the mobility characteristics, battery life data and the assessed strength of signals. These power management rules generate a selected power level for a plurality of client devices, that are equipped to receive a selected power level and to set the selected power level accordingly. The selected power levels are transmitted to the corresponding client devices. The selected power level for each client device can be a discrete variable that takes on one of a finite number of values.

For example, through operation of the power management rules, the method can determine which of the client devices are not being heard by other client devices. In response, a selected power level can be established for such client devices to optionally boost the transmission power so that they will be heard by some or all of the remaining client devices. In addition, power management rules can reduce the power generated by a client device that is generating a stronger than necessary signal for being heard by the remaining client devices.

In a further example, an analysis of reception characteristics and battery life data may reveal that a client device is easily detected by each of the other devices and that it is running low on battery power. In response, a reduced power level can be selected for that device to extend its battery life.

In another example, an analysis of reception characteristics and mobility characteristics may reveal that a client device is highly mobile. Rather than relying solely on reception characteristics, the power management rules select a power level for this client device that takes into consideration its possible movement.

FIG. 9 presents a flowchart representation of a method that can be used in a terminal, client device and/or an integrated circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a method is presented for use in conjunction with one or more features and functions presented in association with FIGS. 1-8. In step 600, signals received from other devices over a wireless link by a client device are gathered and assessed along with battery status, device operating status, client application status and anticipated communication requirements and mobility information. In step 602, based on such gathering and assessment, reception, status, utilization and mobility characteristics are generated. In step 604, such generated characteristics are transmitted over the wireless link. In step 606, in response to the transmission in step 604, a command requesting a transmission power level adjustment is received over the wireless link. In step 608, data is transmitted over the wireless link in accordance with the request at the selected power level. This method is well suited for being implemented as operational instructions that are stored in a memory such as memory circuitry 408 and implemented using processing circuitry such as processing circuitry 406.

For example, the status characteristics such as battery life data can indicate one or more of the following: whether a device such as a client device is coupled to an external power source, the battery life for at least one selected power level, the battery life for at least one coding scheme, the battery life for at least one data rate, the battery life based on an estimated channel usage, the battery life based on an estimate of required deterministic bandwidth, and the battery life based on an estimate of non-deterministic bandwidth. The mobility characteristics can indicates one or more of the following: the client device is in a stationary condition, the client device is in a low mobility condition, the client device is in a high mobility condition, and a geographical coordinate of the client device.

The assessment signal strength can include one or more of: a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a signal to noise ratio, a noise parameter, an amount of bit errors, and a bit error rate (BER). In one mode of operation, a test packet such as an echo packet is transmitted to the client device where a reply packet is transmitted and received back. The number of bit errors or the BER for this particular packet can be calculated by comparing the received data to the data that was transmitted.

In further mode of operation, received data is assessed based on the payload of normal packets that are received. For instance, an error detecting code such as a linear block code, convolutional code or error correcting code can be used to determine the number of bit errors in the received data, within the coding limit of the particular code use. For instance, a (24,12) Golay code with optional CRC bit could detect up to 4 errors in a 24 bit coded word before the coding limit was reached.

In one mode of operation, a device, such as a client device, terminal or access point, implements a plurality power management rules, based on the reception characteristics, and optionally the mobility characteristics, battery life data and the assessed strength of signals. These power management rules generate a selected power level for a plurality of client devices, that are equipped to receive a selected power level and to set the selected power level accordingly. The selected power levels are transmitted to the corresponding client devices. The selected power level for each client device can be a discrete variable that takes on one of a finite number of values.

For example, through operation of the power management rules, the method can determine which of the client devices are not being heard by other client devices. In response, a selected power level can be established for such client devices to optionally boost the transmission power so that they will be heard by some or all of the remaining client devices. In addition, power management rules can reduce the power generated by a client device that is generating a stronger than necessary signal for being heard by the remaining client devices.

In a further example, an analysis of reception characteristics and battery life data may reveal that a client device is easily detected by each of the other devices and that it is running low on battery power. In response, a reduced power level can be selected for that device to extend its battery life.

In another example, an analysis of reception characteristics and mobility characteristics may reveal that a client device is highly mobile. Rather than relying solely on reception characteristics, the power management rules select a power level for this client device that takes into consideration its possible movement.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the term “substantially” or “approximately”, as may be used herein, provides an industry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to twenty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As one of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “operably coupled”, as may be used herein, includes direct coupling and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component, element, circuit, or module does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As one of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two elements in the same manner as “operably coupled”. As one of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate, the term “compares favorably”, as may be used herein, indicates that a comparison between two or more elements, items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.

In preferred embodiments, the various circuit components are implemented using 0.35 micron or smaller CMOS technology. Provided however that other circuit technologies including other transistor, diode and resistive logic, both integrated or non-integrated, may be used within the broad scope of the present invention. Likewise, various embodiments described herein can also be implemented as software programs running on a computer processor. It should also be noted that the software implementations of the present invention can be stored on a tangible storage medium such as a magnetic or optical disk, read-only memory or random access memory and also be produced as an article of manufacture.

As the term module is used in the description of the various embodiments of the present invention, a module includes a functional block that is implemented in hardware, software, and/or firmware that performs one or module functions such as the processing of an input signal to produce an output signal. As used herein, a module may contain submodules that themselves are modules.

Thus, there has been described herein an apparatus and method, as well as several embodiments including a preferred embodiment, for implementing a wireless network, access point, client device, integrated circuit. Various embodiments of the present invention herein-described have features that distinguish the present invention from the prior art.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous ways and may assume many embodiments other than the preferred forms specifically set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all modifications of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A wireless network having a wireless link, the wireless network comprising: a plurality of client devices, each of the plurality of client devices having client transceiver circuitry that receives data over the wireless link and that transmits data over the wireless link at a selected power level, at least a first of the plurality of client devices including client device processing circuitry that assesses signals received from other of the plurality of client devices over the wireless link, generates reception characteristics, and transmits the reception characteristics over the wireless link; an access point having a network interface, communicatively coupled to at least one wide area network, and access point transceiver circuitry that transmits data to and receives data from the plurality of client devices; and the access point receives and assesses the reception characteristics, and, based on the assessment, the access point generates the selected power level for at least a second of the plurality of client devices, and transmit the selected power level to the at least a second of the plurality of client devices.
 2. The wireless network of claim 1, wherein the signals received from other of the plurality of client devices over the wireless link that are assessed by the client device processing circuitry comprise at least a portion of an ongoing data exchange.
 3. The wireless network of claim 1, wherein the signals received from other of the plurality of client devices over the wireless link that are assessed by the client device processing circuitry comprise at least one test signal exchange.
 4. The wireless network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of client devices transmit status characteristics to the access point, and the access point assesses at least a portion of the status characteristics along with at least a portion of the reception characteristics to generate the selected power level.
 5. The wireless network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of client devices transmit mobility characteristics to the access point, and the access point assesses at least a portion of the mobility characteristics along with at least a portion of the reception characteristics to generate the selected power level.
 6. The wireless network of claim 1, wherein the plurality of client devices transmit utilization characteristics to the access point, and the access point assesses at least a portion of the utilization characteristics along with at least a portion of the reception characteristics to generate the selected power level.
 7. An access point comprising: a network interface for communicating with at least one wide area network; access point transceiver circuitry, operatively coupled to the network interface, that transmits data to and receiving data from a plurality of client devices over a wireless link; and processing circuitry, operatively coupled to the access point transceiver circuitry, that includes a power management application having operational instructions that cause the processing circuitry and access point transceiver circuitry to: receive reception characteristics generated by at least one of the plurality of client devices, the reception characteristics including strength of signals received by the at least one of the plurality of client devices from others of the plurality of client devices over the wireless link; determine at least one selected power level based at least in part on the reception characteristics; and transmit the at least one selected power level to the plurality of client devices.
 8. The access point of claim 7, wherein the power management application further includes operational instructions that cause the processing circuitry to receive battery life data generated by the at least one of the plurality of client devices, and determine the selected power level for the at least one of the plurality of client devices based at least in part on the battery life data.
 9. The access point of claim 7, wherein the power management application further includes operational instructions that cause the processing circuitry to receive a mobility characteristic generated by the at least one of the plurality of client devices, and determine the selected power level for the at least one of the plurality of client devices based at least in part on the mobility characteristic.
 10. A client device comprising: client transceiver circuitry that receives data over a wireless link, the data including a first selected transmission power level, and that transmits data over the wireless link at the first selected transmission power level; and processing circuitry, communicatively coupled to the client transceiver circuitry, that: assesses wireless transmissions at a second selected power level from a first device to a second device over the wireless link; generates a reception characteristic based on the assessment; and transmits the reception characteristic over the wireless link to the second device for use in adjusting the second selected power level.
 11. The client device of claim 10, wherein the wireless transmissions assessed by the processing comprise at least a portion of an ongoing data exchange between the first device and the second device.
 12. The client device of claim 10, wherein the wireless transmissions assessed by the processing comprise at least one test transmission.
 13. The client device of claim 10, wherein the processing circuitry delivers a status characteristic to the second device for use in adjusting the first selected transmission power level.
 14. The client device of claim 10, wherein the processing circuitry delivers a mobility characteristic to the second device for use in adjusting the first selected transmission power level.
 15. The client device of claim 10, wherein the processing circuitry delivers a utilization characteristic to the second device for use in adjusting the first selected transmission power level.
 16. In a communication infrastructure supporting a client device and other devices, a method used by processing circuitry of an access point, the method comprising: receiving a reception characteristic from at least one of the other devices over a wireless link, the reception characteristic relating to at least one wireless transmission from the client device to the access point over the wireless link; determining, based at least in part on the reception characteristic received from the at least one of the other devices, that a transmission power adjustment is needed; and transmitting to the client device a request to carry out the transmission power adjustment.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving a power supply characteristic from the client device over the wireless link; and the determining that a transmission power adjustment is needed is also based at least in part on the power supply characteristic received.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving a status characteristic from the client device over the wireless link; and the determining that a transmission power adjustment is needed is also based at least in part on the status characteristic received.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving a mobility characteristic from the client device over the wireless link; and the determining that a transmission power adjustment is needed is also based at least in part on the mobility characteristic received.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising receiving a utilization characteristic from the client device over the wireless link; and the determining that a transmission power adjustment is needed is also based at least in part on the utilization characteristic received.
 21. A communication infrastructure comprising: a communication network; a first client device comprising first processing circuitry, a first wireless receiver, and a first wireless transmitter that has an adjustable transmission power level; a second client device comprising second processing circuitry, a second wireless receiver, and a second wireless transmitter; an access point comprising third processing circuitry, a third wireless transmitter, a third wireless receiver, and interface circuitry that communicatively couples with the communication network; the access point manages communication exchanges with the communication network for the first client device and the second client device via the third wireless transmitter and the third wireless receiver; the second client device generates a first reception characteristic based on at least a first wireless transmission from the first wireless transmitter of the first client device to the third wireless receiver of the access point, and the second client device delivers the first reception characteristic to the access point; the first client device generates a second reception characteristic based on at least a second wireless transmission from the second wireless transmitter of the second client device to the third wireless receiver of the access point, and the second client device delivers the first reception characteristic to the access point; and the access point generates a first request after assessing the first reception characteristic, and the access point delivers the first request to the first client device requesting an adjustment to the transmission power of the first wireless transmitter.
 22. The communication infrastructure of claim 21, wherein the first wireless transmission comprising at least a portion of an ongoing data exchange.
 23. The communication infrastructure of claim 21, wherein the first wireless transmission comprising at least one test transmission. 